Kūkulu
Partner Program
The Kūkulu Partner Program is a trusted network of professionals who work alongside Hawai‘i Community Lending to support Native Hawaiian families in building or buying homes on Hawaiian Home Lands.
This group of partners includes contractors, building suppliers, draftsmen, architects, realtors, lenders, and more — all of whom are aligned with our mission to create affordable housing.
These professionals are not just service providers — they are part of an ecosystem that understands the unique needs of our communities.
Access our Kūkulu Partners through the Ho‘okele Home Program
When you enroll in the Ho‘okele Home Program, our team will help guide you through every step of your journey. One of the key benefits of the Hoʻokele Home Program is access to our Kūkulu Partner network .
Whether you need help finding a contractor or a draftsman to complete your home plans, our team will coordinate those connections for you — so you don’t have to waste time searching or waiting for someone to call you back.
Types of Professionals in the Kūkulu Partner Program
When the time is right, you’ll be referred to professionals in our partner network, which includes:
• General Contractors
• Construction Companies
• Building Supply Vendors
• Draftsmen and Architects
• Electricians and Plumbers
• Surveyors and Engineers
• Other professionals as needed
These professionals have been carefully selected based on their commitment to our values, their experience, and their willingness to partner. While they may charge for their services, they receive no incentives or kickbacks from HCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kūkulu Partner Program establishes a network of trusted construction professionals who can support housing projects and community development initiatives while gaining access to potential capital through Hawaiʻi Community Lending programs.
The group of partners include Builders, Specialty Contractors/Trades, Technical & Design Support, and Builder Support (see Eligibility for a full list of eligible partners), all of whom are aligned with our mission to create affordable housing.
These professionals are not just service providers — they are part of an ecosystem that understands the unique needs of our communities.
Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL) administers the Kūkulu Partner Program.
The program was established to address the lack of builders serving HCL construction and rehab loan borrowers on Hawaiian Home Lands.
Yes, the provider that is responsible to manage the project and work performance on behalf of the HCL client must be an approved Kūkulu Partner.
Yes, a client may select an approved Kūkulu Partner from the Kūkulu Partner Directory. If a client selects a provider that is not approved, the provider must complete the application and approval process and be added to the Directory prior to home loan closing.
No, HCL does not receive any incentive from the Kũkulu Partnership. However, as an added benefit, Kūkulu Partners may apply for access to capital through HCL’s Social Enterprise loan program for working capital, business expansion and/or mobilization.
HCL clients who are in need to build, rehab, or renovate their home.
• Builders – General Contractor, Construction Company, For-profit and Non-profit
• Specialty Contractors/Trades – Carpenter, Electrician, Excavator, Flooring Installer, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC Technician, Iron Worker, Painter, Plumber, Roofer, Solar Installer, etc.
• Technical & Design Support – Architect, Building Inspector, Draftsman, Engineer, Estimator, Surveyor, Technician, etc.
• Builder Support – Cabinet Maker, Handyman, Landscaper, Repair Maintenance, Material Supplier, Vendor, etc.
Contact HCL by phone, email, or online inquiry.
• Complete Pre-Application Questionnaire with Enterprise Loan Manager to determine eligibility
• If you are determined eligible, the Kūkulu Partner application and Checklist will be emailed to you for completion.
• Point of Contact – Aikũʻē Kalima, Enterprise Loan Manager
• 808-865-2913
• aikue@hawaiicommunitylending.com
1. Kūkulu Partnership Application
2. General Contractor/Professional License
3. General Excise Tax License
4. Verification of Social Security Number and Photo I.D. of Principal
5. Copy of 501c3 tax exempt letter (if nonprofit)
6. Proof Business is headquartered in Hawaiʻi and in good standings with Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (“DCCA”)
7. Certificate of Insurance (General Liability & Workers Compensation)
8. Bonding documentation – if seeking to provide new construction services, please provide (1) material supplier bonding verification letter
9. Signed W-9 Form (will be required at time of approval)
10. Principal resume and portfolio of work done in the last 2 years
Please complete the Kūkulu Partner application and documents checklist within 30 days. The Enterprise Loan Manager is available to assist as needed.
Enterprise Loan Manager will complete the vetting process, determine applicant meets all eligibility requirements, and make the final decision.
You will be notified immediately of decision and next steps.
You will be notified immediately of decision, provided with the reasons for decision, and recommendations for improvement.